Home Medications and Treatments for Bladder Infection Cystitis or bladder infections are usually bacterial. If not treated, they can spread to the kidneys, prostate, or the urinary pathways. At some point in life, most of us will experience a urinary tract infection (UTI), commonly referred as a bladder infection or Cystitis. The term 'cystitis' refers to inflammation of the urinary bladder. Bladder infections occur much more often in females than males, except in early infancy when it happens equally to either sex. Symptoms of Bladder Infection
The patient complains of an almost continual urge to void and a burning sensation on passing urine. There may be a feeling of pain in the pelvis and lower abdomen. The urine may become thick, dark, and stringy. It may have an unpleasant smell and may contain blood or pus. Some pain in the lower back may also be felt in certain cases. In an acute stage, there may be a rise in body temperature. In the chronic form of cystitis, the symptoms are similar but generally less severe and longer lasting, and without a fever.
Causes of Bladder Infection Cystitis may result from infections in other parts connected with or adjacent to the bladder such as the kidneys, the urethra, the vagina, or the prostate gland. There may be local irritation and inflammation in the bladder if urine is retained there for an unduly long time. Cystitis may also result from severe constipation. Other conditions like an infected kidney, stones in the kidneys or bladder, or an enlarged prostate may also lead to this disorder. Treatment Of Bladder Infection Cystitis Treatment with Cucumber Juice
Cucumber juice is one of the most useful home remedies in the treatment of cystitis. It is a very effective diuretic. A cup of this juice, mixed with one teaspoon of honey and a tablespoon of fresh lime juice, should be given three times daily.
Cystitis Treatment with Spinach
A quantity of 100 ml of fresh spinach juice, taken with an equal quantity of tender coconut water twice a day, is considered beneficial in the treatment of cystitis. It acts as a very effective and safe diuretic due to the combined action of both nitrates and potassium.
cystitis Treatment with Lemon Lemon has proved valuable in cystitis. A teaspoon of lemon juice should be put in 180 ml of boiling water. It should then be allowed to cool and 60 ml of this water should be taken every two hours from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for the treatment of this condition. This eases the burning sensation and also stops bleeding in cystitis.
cystitis Treatment with Barley
Half a glass each of barley gruel, mixed with buttermilk and the juice of half a lime, is an excellent diuretic. It is beneficial in the treatment of cystitis, and may be taken twice daily. Cystitis Treatment with Sandal wood Oil: The oil of sandalwood is also considered valuable in this disease. This oil should be given in doses of five drops in the beginning and gradually increased to ten to thirty drops. Herbs for Cystitis
Uva ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi), sometimes called bearberry, has been used by cultures as diverse as the Native Americans and the Chinese for treating urinary tract infections. Uva ursi contains a natural compound called arbutin, which is transformed in the urinary tract into hydroquinone, a potent urinary antiseptic that is effective against the E. coli organism. Uva ursi also has diuretic action and helps to cleanse the urinary tract. The antibacterial component of uva ursi seems to be most effective in an alkaline environment, so it may be helpful while using the herb to avoid cranberry juice, citrus, tomatoes, and other foods that might acidify the urine. Uva ursi has an astringent but not unpleasant flavor. Make a tea by pouring one cup of boiling water over two teaspoons of dried leaves. Steep for ten minutes, strain, and drink three cups a day. As an alternative, take one-half teaspoon of liquid extract or two capsules three times a day. Although uva ursi is safe when used in recommended amounts, don't exceed the recommended dosage or use it for more than two weeks, because in high doses it can cause nausea and irritate the kidneys. Do not take uva ursi during pregnancy.
Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is also a potent antimicrobial that contains a natural antibiotic called berberine that is effective against many strains of harmful microorganisms, including E. coli. In addition, goldenseal has anti-inflammatory and astringent properties that help to soothe inflamed mucous membranes. As with uva ursi, the natural antibiotic in goldenseal is most effective in an alkaline environment, so avoid eating acidifying foods while you are taking the herb. Pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of powdered herb. Steep 10 minutes, strain, and drink three cups a day. Goldenseal is extremely bitter and is easiest to take as a liquid extract or in capsules. Take one-half to one teaspoon of extract or two to three capsules three times a day. Because it is a uterine stimulant, goldenseal should not be used during pregnancy.
Juniper (Juniperus communis) berries contain an aromatic oil that has antimicrobial and diuretic properties. It steps up the fluidfiltering rate of the kidneys, which increases urine output. Juniper has a sweet, pungent, and astringent flavor. To make a tea, pour one cup of boiling water over one teaspoon of crushed berries, cover, and steep for 20 minutes. Strain, and drink up to three cups a day. Overuse of juniper can irritate the kidneys, and the herb should not be used for more than four to six weeks at a time. If you have kidney disease or are pregnant, do not use juniper.
Marshmallow (Althaea officinalis) is a gentle diuretic that has mild immune-enhancing properties. While it won't fight infection as do uva ursi or goldenseal, it makes a soothing tea that helps to cleanse the bladder. Marshmallow has a pleasant, sweet flavor. Simmer one teaspoon of chopped dried root in one cup of boiling water in a covered pot for five minutes. Remove from heat and steep an additional ten minutes. Strain, and drink three to four cups throughout the day. Bladder Cleansing Tea
3 teaspoons marshmallow root
2 teaspoons dandelion leaf
2 teaspoons crushed juniper berries
3 teaspoons nettle
4 cups water
Simmer marshmallow root in water in a covered pot for 5 minutes.Remove from heat and add dandelion leaf, juniper berries, and nettle. Cover, and steep for 15 minutes. Strain and drink 3-4 cups throughout the day. Infection-Fighting Formula
1 ounce uva ursi extract
1/2 ounce goldenseal extract
1/2 Ounce echinacea root extract
Combine extracts in a dark glass bottle and shake well. Take 1 teaspoon four times a day in a small amount of warm water. Aroma Therapy for Cyctitis
Aromatherapy essential oils can be added to baths, compresses, and massage oils to help to relieve urinary tract infections. Sitz baths can ease the pelvic pain that sometimes accompanies an infection. Add five drops each of juniper and sandalwood essential oils to the tub.
Juniper is a potent detoxifying oil with diuretic properties and is specifically an antiseptic for the urinary tract. It has a pungent, sweet, woodsy fragrance. Do not use juniper during pregnancy.
Sandalwood is also an antiseptic and diuretic and is used extensively in Ayurvedic medicine for treating urinary tract infections. It has a complex, rich, woodsy and sweet scent.
Tea tree is a potent antiseptic that directly kills the bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. If' you suffer frequently from this infection, add two drops of tea tree oil to one cup of warm water and use regularly as a genital wash after bowel movements and following intercourse. Tea tree oil has a pungent, camphor-like scent. Bladder Infection Prevention A few simple precautions to avoid urinary tract infections.
Good hygiene is essential for preventing UTIs. Always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away from the urethra.
Don't use scented toilet paper, perfumed or deodorant soaps, bubble bath, or feminine-hygiene sprays, all of which dry out the delicate vaginal tissues and make you more prone to infection.
Wash thoroughly soon after sexual activity, and if you are prone to frequent urinary tract infections, rinse with a solution of one cup of warm water with two drops of tea tree oil to kill bacteria.
Drink plenty of fluids, especially pure water and herbal teas.
Your need for fluids varies according to your diet, your level of activity, and the climate and season, but a good general guideline is to drink enough so that you need to urinate every couple of hours. This keeps your bladder cleansed and free of trouble-causing microorganisms.
There is no scientific evidence linking diet to IC / PBS, but many doctors and patients find that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, and high-acid foods may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Some patients also note that their symptoms worsen after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating various items from their diet and reintroducing them one at a time to determine which, if any, affect their symptoms. However, maintaining a varied, well balanced diet is important. Diet: Many doctors and patients find that alcohol, tomatoes, spices, chocolate, caffeinated and citrus beverages, and high-acid foods may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. Some patients also note that their symptoms worsen after eating or drinking products containing artificial sweeteners. Patients may try eliminating various items from their diet and reintroducing them one at a time to determine which, if any, affect their symptoms. However, maintaining a varied, well balanced diet is important.
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